A $2 million state investment will increase 12 City University of New York (CUNY) apprenticeship programs for their associate degrees beginning in the fall 2023 semester.
Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the vast expansion of CUNY’s offering of apprenticeships for credit in in-demand industries. The additions build on the five existing apprenticeship programs integrated into CUNY associate degree programs in software engineering, consulting, finance, risk management, and cybersecurity.
“Apprenticeships are a critical launching pad for important, well-paying careers, and we are proud to build a strong program for CUNY students,” Governor Hochul said. “With this additional $2 million investment, we can expand apprenticeships for associate degree programs and open up new opportunities for New Yorkers across the state.” added the official.
The investment includes new apprenticeship offerings at the 10 CUNY colleges that offer Associate Degrees; In addition to the seven CUNY community colleges, two-year degrees are offered at the College of Staten Island, Medgar Evers College, and New York City College of Technology. The employers who host the apprenticeships will pay the students, and the students will earn nine course credits.
Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor of the City University of New York, said: “Apprenticeships have always been a great way for young people to break into the fields, offering hands-on work until they are ready to do the job. without help. More than ever, students need workplace experience and connections beyond the classroom so they have clear pathways to careers when they finish their education.”
potential companies
Students will be placed at companies such as JPMorgan Chase, EY, Citi, American Express, Deloitte, AIG, Mastercard, and Wells Fargo, who are members of the New York Jobs CEO Council. The Jobs Council is a coalition of CEOs from some of the city’s largest employers with a goal of employing 100,000 low-income and diverse New Yorkers, including 25,000 CUNY students and graduates, by the end of the decade.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a CUNY alumnus, noted, “As a CUNY graduate, I know how many opportunities this institution provides for New Yorkers. Apprenticeships provide students with real-world experiences and skills that help them develop their interests and set them on a path to a brighter future. With Governor Hochul’s $2 million investment in the CUNY apprenticeship program, all students, especially our minority students, will have more opportunities to find high-paying jobs in finance, technology, and other fields.”
The rules of the game change
New York Jobs CEO Council Executive Director Kiersten Barnet said, “These programs are game changers for both students and employers. Students get work-based learning opportunities that double as direct pathways to competitive entry-level roles.”
Manhattan Township Community College student Benjamin Abraham, who has previously held an apprenticeship with professional services firm EY, said, “Networking has been very helpful as we can approach a person in hallways and Ask them about their lines of service, about the work they’re doing. Coming to such a large company feels like a big mountain to climb, but this has been a smooth experience with a down-to-earth team.”
CUNY has prioritized expanding workforce development initiatives for its students and graduates. Those efforts include growing public-private partnerships with a $16 million investment in the CUNY Inclusive Economy Initiative; train students for financial careers through CUNY Futures in Finance; and place students in nonprofit and public sector jobs over the summer through the CUNY Career Launch.